2nd Annual Jerry Niedens Mira Mesa Classic Car Show

2nd Annual Jerry Niedens Mira Mesa Classic Car Show

The 2nd Annual Jerry Niedens Mira Mesa Car Show, originally started by Jerry Niedens for the Mira Mesa Lions Club as a fund raiser for the Lions became a testimonial to Jerry with his passing last month. Approximately 100 hot rods, street rods, classics, customs, and restored big rig tractors and trucks made the show. The Poway Cruisers Car Club was represented by 15 club members showing seven (7) classics and street rods: Bill & Linda Bryan with their ’71 Oldsmobile Cutlass, Earl Asbury & Bessie in his ’66 Cadillac Convertible, Ed VanLaningham & Lana Thompson in his ’65 Ford Falcon Convertible, Kathy & Ron Shedd and their ’69 Camaro SS RS, Travis & Vickie Williams and their ’70 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, John McDowell and is ’38 Ford Sedan, George & Joyce Cowman and their ’37 Buick Special Coupe. Even though their ’30 Fords Model A Sedan is still being repaired, Chuck & Jenny Bush also participated in the show, as did members Bill & Jan Nielsen. Jan Nielson is Jerry Niedens sister.

Six (6) of us caravanned to the show, arriving around 9:45 am. We all got parked together in the shade of the solar panel forest, and where joined soon after by the Williams. Once registration was taken care of we all set about dusting and cleaning our motorized art. Then it was time to score some great donuts and coffee supplied by the Lions Club for a small donation, and the secure tickets for some great raffle prizes.

By 11:45 AM, it was time for lunch, so we all sampled the fair from the 3 food trucks on site. One of them had the largest pretzels I’ve ever seen, fresh and warm, lots of salt. Yum.

Just a few minutes after 2:00 PM, Norma Niedens and one of her and Jerry’s sons addressed the crowd, thanking everyone for attending and showing her and Jerry’s family how much Jerry was liked and respected. Then the big raffle prizes were raffled, and the show awards were presented. George & Joyce’s ’37 Buick Special Coupe took 3rd Place as one of the top 3 cars at the show, and Earl Asbury’s ’66 Cadillac Convertible and Kathy & Ron Shedd’s “68 Camaro SS RD were awards People’s Choice Awards.

It was also announced that this show would continue as an annual show to commemorate Jerry Niedens contributions to the Mira Mesa Lions Club, but that it would be scheduled to take place earlier in the year, and the next show will be in January 2020.

By 2:30 PM it was all over and everyone headed for home. It was a very nice show, on another perfect SoCal Saturday, and once again the Poway Cruisers did bring the fun.

Reported by George Cowman
President
Poway Cruisers Car Club